Lillibridge, Takahashi designated; Ransom claimed

The Cubs designated infielder Brent Lillibridge and reliever Hisanori Takahashi on Tuesday and claimed infielder Cody Ransom off waivers from San Diego.

They also activated relievers Kevin Gregg and Kameron Loe, both of whom will be in the bullpen tonight against Texas.

Gregg, the former Cubs closer released by the Dodgers at the end of spring training, said he would be interested in returning to his former role with the Cubs. But manager Dale Sveum said he would mix-and-match with his bullpen in the late innings.

There wasn't much infield help out there for the Cubs to use in place of Lillibridge. Lillibridge hit .042 (1-for-24) after making the team out of spring training. Ransom was 0-for-11 with the Padres and is a career .215 hitter, but can play all infield positions.